Southwest Gansu Tibetan Buddhist Culture Tour

Nihao, welcome to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, and one of the legendary cities along the ancient Silk Road. You will be greeted upon arrival at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport / Lanzhou High-Speed Railway Station and then transferred to your hotel. Before your Gansu Buddhist culture adventure begins, your Easy Tour China local guide will tell you about the history of Lanzhou and the Yellow River culture. 

If you have some spare time (depending on your arrival time), perhaps go out and explore the Iron Zhongshan Bridge (a landmark in Lanzhou), the Waterwheel Park, or Gansu Provincial Museum.

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This morning after breakfast, you will be taken to Linxia, exploring the magnificent mountain and canyon landscapes, where the loess plateau transitions to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. 

Visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes in Yongjing County, built in 420 AD during the Western Qin Dynasty, one of the iconic Buddhist sites along the Silk Road of China. Uncover the spread and gradual localization of Buddhism in China through its existing 216 cave niches and 815 statues - some of which have been listed as World Cultural Heritage. 

Your adventure continues to Hezuo City (altitude approximately 2936 meters), the capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. As you see the sweeping grasslands dotted with Tibetan villages, yaks, and prayer flags, you have arrived in the Amdo Tibetan region.

Stay overnight in Hezuo to adapt to the high-altitude environment, while enjoying a peaceful night.

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After breakfast, take advantage of the morning peace by visiting the Milarepa Pavilion. This nine-story fortress-like building is the only one in the entire Tibetan region dedicated to the founders of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Immerse yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist art, when being surrounded by numerous Buddha statues and thangkas.

Then drive to Langmusi ((altitude approximately 3480 meters), located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces. A stream flows through the town, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands—a high-altitude landscape that explains its nickname, "Little Switzerland of the East". But it looks mysterious with its monasteries and Tibetan villages.

Upon arrival, visit Taktsang Lhamo Monastery (Saichi Temple) and Gerdeng Monastery (Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Gompa). Admire their magnificent architecture while observing the monks' daily practices and prayer circumambulation.

In the evening, you may take some time to stroll through the primitive town of Langmusi on your own.

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Today, you will move to Xiahe and discover more about the daily life of the local Tibetan people and the Buddhist practices. Along the way, spot herds of sheep and cattle on the vast grassland, as well as the tents and prayer flags of the Tibetan herdsmen.

Upon arrival, your first stop is the Labrang Lamasery, one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries, and known as the center of Tibetan studies. You'll see the world's longest prayer corridor here. Indulge in the profound religious atmosphere. Your local guide will explain the monastery's history, the Buddhist academy system, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, and the life of monks.

Then continue to Sangke Grassland, where wildflowers dot the green grassland in spring and summer. Fest/walk in the grassland, and enjoy the magnificent scene of the distant mountains at sunset.

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After breakfast, sett off towards Tongren for Longwu Monastery. Built in 1301, it is another Gelugpa monastery, and the the largest in Qingnan. It is famous for being the birthplace of the Thorgon Art. The murals, pile embroidery, and butter sculptures are also the three wonders of Longwu Monastery. Piously walk through the prayer corridor, participate in the incense burning for blessings, observe the monks chanting and debating scriptures. Finally, ascend to the top of the monastery to overlook Longwu Town.

Tonight, follow your guide to stroll through the old Tibetan streets and alleys of Longwu town, visit Thangka workshops, religious implement shops, and Tibetan incense shops.

Stay overnight in Tongren.

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Today your Tibetan culture tour in Gansu continues, visiting Wutun Monastery, with hands-on cultural experiences. 

There are Wutun Upper Monastery and Wutun Lower Monastery. Here, the monks excel in painting and sculpture, producing many masters over the centuries. Your guide will take you through the old scripture hall, Buddha hall, and the stupas of past eminent monks. Later learn from a local to make Tibetan incense from gaining the knowledge of traditional herbal ingredient ratios to hand-rolling the incense and drying the finished product.

Optional Thangka painting class at a family-run Thangka painting workshop

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After breakfast this morning, say goodbye to your nights spent in Gansu and travel further to Xining in Qinghai Province. On the way, you'll have the chance to explore traditional Tibetan villages, perhaps ancient stone and wood houses or castle-like Tibetan architectural complexes. Your guide will explain the Tibetan family structure and traditional way of life. You'll be surprised to find that many ovillagers are skilled painters of Thangka and pile embroidery.

Here comes the Qutan Temple. What makes it special is its blend of Han and Tibetan Buddhist architectural art, thus it is also called "Little Forbidden City of Qinghai." Savor the exquisite murals inside the temple.

Stay overnight in Xining, which witnessed the trade, cultural exchange, and religious fusion of the ancient Silk Road.

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This morning after breakfast, you’ll see Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Monastery), which is also one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries. Learn about the history of how it was established - it originated from Master Zongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect.

Then visit the Dongguan Mosque. It is an iconic mosque in northwest China. Like many other sights along the Silk Road, it also integrates traditional Chinese architectural elements with Islamic style.

In the afternoon is a guided tour of Xining's old street. It's your time to experience local life, taste Qinghai street food, or purchase some souvenirs.

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It is yours to explore/relax until the private transfer to the airport. Fly back home or to another destination. End of your in-depth Southwest Gansu tour to Xining, combining Buddhist culture and alpine Scenery. 

For Buddhist culture lovers, you may extend your tour to Tibet. If your interest also lies in the Silk Road journey, make your way to Xinjiang. 

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